It was a rare feat last night as two of the projected top teams in the Western Conference fought to a 1-0 shootout match between the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick (43 SV) held on just enough as he battled Brian Elliott (18) SV), proving that both are ready for the long season. Start both with confidence as both goalies should supply you with not only loads of wins, but excellent metrics as well....... The Pittsburgh Penguins were shocked as the Dallas Stars snatched what appeared to be a sure victory with 2 late third period goals to win 3-2. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin both scored with under 3 minutes remaining the game, proving that they both should be considered among the NHL Elite..... People are all talking about the start that the New York Islanders are having this year and most of the focus has been on John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, newcomer Johnny Boychuk, and young Brock Nelson but not much has been spoken of G Jaroslav Halak. Halak raised his record to 3-0-0 win the shootout win over San Jose last night and although his metrics aren't spectacular at 2.92 GAA and a .900 SP, he should get you lots of wins on a much-improved Islander team. Expect his numbers to improve a bit as we settle into the season.... Perhaps the New Jersey Devils should've reverted back to their defensive ways last night as Washington chased Cory Schneider by scoring 5 goals on 26 shots. Not Schneider's best.  The Capitals had 6 different goal-scorers and raised their record to 2-0-2.  It looks like the Caps are a more balanced scoring team at the beginning of the season.  Mike Green chipped in with 2 assists giving him 5 points in 3 games and looks like he is playing with more confidence under Barry Trotz.  He may not be the dynamic scoring defenseman he once was, but he seems to be over the past injuries that curtailed his output.... Don't look now, I know it's only 2 games, but Braden Holtby is 2-0-0 with a 1.85 GAA and a .932 SP. We predicted his resurgence this year in our Guide and it looks like he is rewarding our confidence in him... Looking for a 4th defensemen that can provide some pop? Look at New Jersey's Damon Severson as he had 2 goals last night with 8 SOG. Plus he had the most PP time of all, yes ALL, New Jersey players.  He now has 3 goals and an assist in 4 games.... No one expected the Colorado Avalanche to take the league by surprise this year but no one them to start off 1-3-1 after their loss to the Ottawa Senators last night. Semyon Varlamov is on IR and that will make it together for the Avs to climb out of this rut. The good news for the Avs is that in the last two games, their young stars are getting on the score sheet.  Gabriel Landeskog (G), Matt Duchene (G) and Nathan MacKinnon (2A) are a big part of their offense and should start to post better numbers from here on out, especially with their starter out with an injury. Jarome Iginla has 3 assists in last two games as well and looks to be settling in. Iginla is a notoriously slow starter so any output they get this early in the season is a bonus.... You just knew after ousting Boston out of last year's playoffs, Montreal was going to be in for a real, good old-fashioned hockey matchup with the Bruins. Hab fans should be pleased as Montreal walked away with a 6-4 victory.  P.A. Parenteau and Brendan Gallagher were the stars for the Canadiens as they both scored twice with Gallagher adding an assist. Both Montreal players are good depth forwards but very streaky.  Tomas Plekanec continues to stay hot with 2 assists in last night's tilt.... Boston is starting to gel offensively again now that David Krejci is back in the lineup. Krejci's presence makes everyone around him better and the team can settle into their defined roles more clearly.  After a scoreless first game back, Krejci has 3 points in 2 games.  Evidence that the Bruin offense should begin to click.... If you happened to watch the New York Ranger's, you could the tension as the Carolina Hurricanes played their best game of the young season and gave the Blueshirts fits. The Ranger's did manage to squeak out a 2-1 shootout win but only because Henrik Lundqvist kept them in the game long enough. If by any chance you can get Lundqvist, this is the perfect ‘buy-low' situation.  Once the Rangers start to get back key personnel like Derek Stepan and Dan Boyle, the team should start to roll.... Not to be outdone, Anton Khudobin turned aside 33 of 34 SOG and gave the Hurricanes every chance to come away with an upset victory. Khudobin clearly has outplayed veteran Cam Ward and may just have solidified his shot at the number 1 job in Carolina. Better option than Ward, who may find himself on the way to Edmonton some time soon.